Ideas

Don’t Avenge Paris

Our leaders must avoid ‘feel-good’ retribution, and instead seek paths that will make us safer.

Ideas

A Call To Service Can Help Unite A Divided Nation

What can you do for your country? For starters, tell Congress to support national service.

Ideas

Beyond the Draft: Rethinking National Service

Four reasons the defense community ought to support universal access to national service.

Ideas

Measure Clinton’s Plan for ISIS Against the Lessons of Iraq

A former Army division commander views the candidate’s proposed strategy through a McChrystal lens.

Ideas

UK Beefs Up Its Defenses for a More Secure World

The new British version of the QDR is out, promising ‘smart and strategic’ investments in the UK armed forces.

Ideas

Give Thanks for the OSS

As today’s security depends increasingly on intelligence and special operators, Congress should act to honor those who paved their way.

Ideas

With Putin on the March, US Must Bulk Up Its European Forces

Over-the-horizon deterrence will simply not work—either to fend off Russia or reassure NATO allies.

Ideas

The War on ISIS: What’s the Endgame?

Nobody’s focused on winning the peace. That’s a big problem.

Ideas

Obama Must Send Hollande to Moscow With This Clear Message

The U.S. must be clear: Russia's help fighting ISIS won't ease sanctions over Ukraine

Threats

Is ISIS Rational?

Why trying to think like ISIS is so hard—and risky.

Ideas

Here’s What’s Keeping the World from Uniting Against ISIS

People need a common story before they will go to war with an enemy. ISIS has one. The rest of the world does not.

Ideas

The Unintended Consequences of Containing ISIS

The Paris attacks have prompted calls for a stronger military response to the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria. But restraint may be the better course of action.

Ideas

It's High Time for US, Russian Militaries to Start Meeting Again

It is increasingly dangerous in this cyber-fast world for the nuclear-tipped nations to have such a dearth of contact.

Ideas

It's Past Time for Congress to Debate the War on ISIS

The Korean War demonstrates the risks of continued escalation in the Middle East without congressional approval.

Ideas

A Horrible Day for American Leadership

In response to terror, a petulant president and a xenophobic GOP presidential field.

Ideas

It’s Time for a Frank Talk with Pakistan’s Army Chief

The world is focused on Europe and the Levant this week, but the White House should grab a chance to address the fault lines in the US-Pakistan relationship.

Policy

Creating Terror Is Easier Than Fighting It

Obama’s critics are hard-pressed to explain how they would lead a war-weary public against ISIS.

Ideas

Cuban, US Ties Form Aboard US Military’s Hospital Ship

Thanks to the new open U.S. policy toward Cuba, the work done aboard the hospital ship USNS Comfort heals more than bodies.

Ideas

Rand Paul Has a Point: How Much Defense Spending is Enough for GOP?

The next GOP debate could find even more substance by making candidates answer Paul’s question to the conservative movement.

Ideas

America Isn't Losing the War of Ideas to ISIS

In every era, the same alarms bells have sounded. The rise of the Internet, however, could make this one different.